Using a social learning approach, this study compared the effects of two experimental mini-courses on a specially constructed measure of competency of behavioral response. The two experimental groups and the control group were all black high school students. The curricula suitable for use by high school teachers utilized behavioral modification techniques. In one version of the curriculum students went through a process of self-application of the behavior modificatn process. The measure of competence used judges from the students' own environment to determine what might be called "competent" responses in this particular environment. The method used for test construction is that proposed by Goldfriend and D'Zurilla in "A Behavioral-Analytic Method for Assessing Competence." Results of statistical analysis of pre- and posttest scores on the test of behavioral competence did not indicate any statistically significant differences between the treatment and control conditions. Students in the self-study treatment did, however, show significant improvements in attendance compared to the other conditions. These students evaluated their experience very favorably. Furthermore, 13 out of 16 achieved their goals for behavior change which they had worked on in the classroom. (Author/JM)

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews